Extracts of Polypore Mushroom Mycelia Reduce Viruses in Honey Bees
You’ve probably heard that bees are dying at alarming rate, putting our food supply at risk.
Thankfully, mushrooms could help bees fight deadly viruses that contribute to their population decline.
A study led by Paul Stamets found that when honey bees were given extract from the hoof fungus, levels of a disease called deformed wing virus decreased more than 800-fold compared to a sugar syrup control.
Fomes fomentarius, aka the hoof fungus or tinder fungus, is used to start slow-burning fires and even make clothing (including Paul Stamets’ famous hat)!